The Softcup is not your ordinary menstrual cup, because it offers many features and benefits that other menstrual cups on the market do not. They may not be as popularly recognized as some of the bigger brands like the Divacup and Moon Cup, but they sure can hold their own when you measure up the many qualities that other menstrual cups just cannot seem to deliver.

“Softcup the New Generation of Period Care”

Instead Softcup Models

The Softcup comes in two different kinds- reusable Softcup and the disposable Softcup.

1. Reusable Softcup

The reusable Softcup can be used for one full period of menstruation (and washed)

2. disposable Softcup

The disposable version cannot be reused at all and is just disposed of after a single use.

It is very different than most other menstrual cups that we have previously reviewed in many ways including:

The Softcup is only available in a single size, it is a one size fits all menstrual cup

The Softcup can be worn during intercourse. Softcups motto for this attribute is “The Softcup Loves Making Love.” In fact, you can partake in sexual activity during your period without worrying about a mess.

Both the Softcup disposable and reusable is offered in a variety of counts per box, including 2, 6, 12, and 24.

The Softcup is not rubber or silicone. It is made of a polymeric material that is FDA approved.

Benefits and Features of the Softcup

The Softcup, menstrual cup includes many enticing features that make it beneficial for a woman’s personal care needs.

It can be worn up to 12 hours (reusable and disposable)

The reusable softcup is better for the environment

It is more comfortable than a tampon or bulky pad

It is safer than tampons and will not cause toxic shock syndrome

It provides exceptional leakage protection

It is ideal for the woman who leads an active lifestyle

It costs less than comparable feminine hygiene options

It enables you freedom and can be worn ever-so discreetly and confidently

Because Softcup is non-absorbent, it keeps you fresh all the time

It can be worn during intercourse safely and spare a messy clean-up

Insertion & Removal Videos (Tips and Tricks)

The Softcup is a very soft cup that is inserted inside of a woman’s vaginal canal to catch menstrual fluid during the time of menstruation.

More Videos:

The Softcup Pros and Cons:

What Softcup Customers Think?

To get a very accurate idea of what consumers think are the pros and cons of the Evofem Softcup, we perused thousands of genuine customer reviews to provide you the most honest facts that you need to know before you buy a Softcup.

What Consumers Like Best About Softcup

Most consumers have given the Softcup an average rating of 4 for their overall experience with the specific menstrual cup product.

Better Than Tampons and Pads

More consumers claim that they like the Softcup far better than pads or tampons overall- and repeatedly make comments such as this one:

“NO chafing, no odor, no mess, provides better leakage protection for longer periods of time, and is money sparing. I will never use tampons or pads again thanks to the Softcup” (Amazon.com)

Manufactured in an FDA Monitored and Approved Facility and Ultimately Safe for Use

The Softcup also has gained the confidence of many women for being one of the safest medical devices (feminine hygiene options) of all because it does not contain any irritants, toxic materials, lates, silicone, BPA’s, and is manufactured in a facility that is FDA approved.

Very Comfortable, You forget you are Wearing it

It was noted in many reviews that some women forget that they are wearing a Softcup, because it feels so natural and you do not even notice it is there.

“The hardest part about using the Softcup is remembering that I’m even using it.” (Amazon.com)

Provides a Woman Ultimate Period Freedom, Perfect for a Very Active Lifestyle

Women that have previously used Softcup state that they feel very free to live their life without being dragged down by their time of month.

“The freedom I feel from this wonderful product is immeasurable. I can exercise, do yard work, mow the lawn, and not worry that I’m on my period!” (Amazon.com)

What Consumers Do Not Like About the Softcup

As with any product on the market, some consumers were disappointed in what the Softcup had to offer them.

The One Size Fits All May not Work for Everyone

Some women complain of the Softcup being too awkward, large, and difficult to fit in them. This could be because they have shorter vaginas or because perhaps the Softcup is not being inserted properly as instructed by the directions.

“Awkward. I thought they would be more like the silicone ones that can be re-used… They are SUPER wide and I had troubles even getting it in?! Might work for some, but ???” (Amazon.com)

May Vary in Leakage Protection from Person to Person

There were many reviews on the Softcup that emphasized that it did not work to provide complete leakage protection for them.

“Not sure what I did wrong, but I couldn’t get it to work for me. I read the “instructions” which are hardly instructions several times, but it didn’t work. It leaked a lot. My friend loves them, though, so maybe it’s either body shape, or the instructions are not clear enough. Either way, in the trash.” (Amazon.com)

Reviews from users on the web:

Frequently Asked Questions about Divacup

Can I have SEX while wearing a softcup during my period?

Yes. Softcup is the only menstrual cup manufactured today that can be worn while partaking in sexual intercourse. It also blocks menstrual fluid so there will be no mess to content with in the aftermath of your sexual encounter.

Is the material that Softcup made from essentially safe?

Softcup is made from materials that are used in important products such as baby bottle nipples and catheters used in health monitored facilities everywhere.

Is Softcup easy to remove in comparison to other menstrual cup brands like Divacup and Gladrags?

According to reviews posted on the net regarding Softcup’s ease of use. Many consumers claim that it is very simple to use. Removal may take getting used to, but you should have no worries of it getting lost or stuck.

How long does a Reusable Softcup last?

A reusable softcup will last you the full-span of a single menstrual period- then it should be tossed out.

How long does a disposable Softcup last?

The disposable Softcup has to be disposed of every time it is finished within a single use. It is like a tampon or pad- you dispose of it regularly.

Instead Softcup FAQ’s, Part 1

Instead Softcup FAQ’s, Part 2

About Instead Softcup Company

Evofem Inc. (Formerly Instead Inc.) produces a vast number of products well-suited for the better health of women which service a woman’s sexual, personal, reproductive, and feminine hygiene needs. They are the manufacturer of one of the leading menstrual cups on the market – The Softcup.

The Softcup is an FDA monitored and approved menstrual cup and is the only menstrual cup available on the market that is made especially from a non-silicone, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, non-irritant, latex-free material of the highest quality- which is continually used on the most modern baby bottle nipples and catheters. Since their introduction and debut in the feminine hygiene product market nearly 15 years ago, more than 200 million Softcups have been sold.

Conclusion: The Softcup Does Measure Up

For the most part, the Softcup has made a big presence in the world of menstrual care solutions by supplying women everywhere with an inexpensive and safe menstrual cup product that delivers a plausible alternative to tampons, sanitary napkins, and silicone based menstrual cups.

The Softcup is not only ideal for a female consumer with allergies and sensitivities to certain materials, but also for someone who wants to be less burdened by their monthly, wants more freedom from bathroom trips, and that has the patience to learn how to use it properly. Additionally the Softcup is a gem of a menstrual cup that also boasts the advantage of being able to be worn during sexual activity. Many fans of Softcup use this menstrual cup for that specific reason!

Where Can You Buy Softcups?

We do not sell Softcup products, only review them. Softcups are sold at a selection of drug stores and local markets in your area. However, we recommend you take advantage of the convenience of purchasing them online.

You can browse the different variety packs and purchase Softcups safely and securely through the following websites:

Heidi Speare has a myriad of experience in writing expos and articles on various niches. As an expert journalist and editor she started her career in High School as the newspaper and yearbook director and graduated from the University of Southern Florida in English. Throughout her career her work has been published in thousands of well-known media outlets. However, she finds the best source for her expanding her skills is that of experience, in depth research, and relating to what readers like. Heidi is savvy with bringing great products to light through her genuine unbiased reviews and makes it her mission to serve the audience first with the facts.

I had been toying with the idea of a menstrual for about a year. I read many reviews and watched many videos but never took the plunge. When I saw the disposable cups at my local pharmacy I again looked into the reviews and watched the videos. I was convinced and bought my first box. My first try at insertion was a little clumsy so I threw it out and tried again. This time it went in easy. I put it in right before leaving my apartment on a Sunday. A few hours later when I came home I was really happy to see that there was no leakage. I couldn’t feel it at all, it was totally comfortable. So far so good. I had it in for about 6 hours and decided to take it out to see how full it was. Well, I couldn’t remove it. Not only could I not remove, I couldn’t even feel it. I had a momentary panic attack and hit the internet searching “my menstrual cup is stuck.” Lo and behold dozens of stories came up. I had done all of my research, and the one thing I neglected to look into was could the cup get stuck. I was horrified at the thought of actually boiling a spoon to aid in removal so after confirming online that I wouldn’t actually die from having the cup inside me for more than 12 hours I decided that I would try again in the morning. I woke up extra early. I took a nice warm shower, relaxed, squatted, and attempted to pull this thing out. To no avail. I got dressed and headed to an urgent care center. It took about 6 or 7 minutes of total humiliation for the doc to unsuction this thing from my cervix. While I’m sure I wasn’t the first and I’m sure I won’t be the last, it doesn’t lessen the embarrassment of having to have anything extracted from your vagina. So while it was absolutely wonderful to not have to change a pad or a tampon, to not feel my period leaking, to not smell it and gag, I will not be using the softcup again.

I absolutelylove these . Use to buy them at walmart but they stop selling them. Im allergic to pads and tampons so when i found these i was very excited…. until i couldn’tfind them anymore…. until now….

+ PROS: I just tried this product for the first time today and it is seriously one of the best purchases I've ever made. Before I bought the Softcup I did some research online to make sure I knew what to expect. I knew I wanted something durable, long lasting, and mess free. I of course found out that removal would be messy, but that wasn't a problem. My main goal was to be able to have mess free sex, and this product held true through and through. I was able to insert and remove the Softcup without a problem. I just love it (as much as anyone can ever love a feminine hygiene product that works).

- CONS:I don't have any cons. I was well aware of any potential setbacks before making my purchase.

I an wanting to give this product a try. like you with the same reason. my b/f and I like it rough sometimes; will it still stand up? I have been googling for days. I would like to hear detailed success stories. I am nervous about trying it.

My hubby and I didn’t care for SoftCup/Flex Cups. The ring is pretty dang firm. If we were a little rough, sometimes he would feel the ring and sometimes I would feel the pressure of the ring near my bladder. He also said it felt like a plastic bag.
I picked up Intimina’s new Ziggy Cup, which is pretty much the same design but softer and reusable. Inserting and wearing it is much more comfortable for me, but we haven’t tried it while having sex yet. The one thing about the Ziggy Cup to be aware of is that since it’s silicone, you have to use a water based lube (if needed) and NOT a silicone based one.

I tried this to not have messy sex when I’m on my period. The guy I was dating said he felt like he was hitting a plastic bag and I was very dry no matter how “excited” I was. So that didn’t work out. For my period if my vagina felt dry then putting the flex cup hurt and it can be messy removing it. Other then that I forgot I had it on and I liked that you can have it on for 12 hours.

I wanted to try a mentrual cup, but the initial outlay, and baffling number of options made me seek a lowcost temporary method. Heavy periods using both tampons and pads simultaneously was getting annoying.
Reading and following th instructions I had no problem with insertion, and at first it seemed comfotable. However, after walking about and then tying to lay down to sleep, i found it pushing and stretching the back part of my vaginal wall. I could only manage about an hour before I had to remover it. I double checked instructions, amd ended up contacting the company, and it ends up I’m among the group that one size fits all does not fit.
To avoid this discovery, go to the website and get a free sample. I wish I had known, and I would not have an almost full box to try to dispose of.

I tried the softcup for the 1st time this week because my period came right before a wedding that I was in. I purchased a pack from rite aid. At first it was scary looking, but if you position yourself right on the toilet it goes up with ease! I also had sex with it on, if your guy is hung he’s going to feel the rim. My guy did and he said it didn’t bother him. I will say that this product works best when you are just starting your period. If you bleed heavy the cup fills up fast & the cleaning up process is not for the squimish! Once again, if you don’t like to touch yourself or you feel queasy from the site or smell of blood this isn’t the product for you. It requires you to be fully hands on, inserting & removing! Be prepared!

+ PROS: Great for sex
Minimal leakage
Feels comfortable

- CONS:Extremely messy when it's time to take out, blood is everywhere
Cup needs more customization sizes for the cervix, needs an application tool

+ PROS: I recently had a trip planned with my boyfriend that we'd been planning for over a month. It is long distance so our days are numbered and extremely important. My period came on three days before I left to see him do I purchased these to ensure a cleaner sex opinion. This cup is genius! It did not leak one time! He did not notice, there is no menstrual like smell. I could not feel it. We had soft deep sex and hardcore sex. This ring was perfect!! It does take practice removing and can be messy if your flow is heavy. If you have moderate flow your going to win with these!

I an wanting to give this product a try. like you with the same reason. my b/f is coming in town today (ive starting spotting 8 days early) and we like it rough sometimes; will it still stand up? I have been googling for days. I would like to hear detailed success stories. I am nervous about trying it.

I bought Softcup because heard you could have mess free sex, & it was long lasting! I was definitely impressed!

I completely forgot I had my period!!! I do check it every 6 hours or so, as opposed to the 12 it can be used for because of my heavy flow, but it’s much better than a pad or tampon! I have not tried having sex yet, because I feel like you could feel the bottom of the cup, but it would be mess free!

Complaints– I have not found a good way to remove it yet, so it looks like a murder scene when I do! Someone on here said that you should pull on the actual cup & not the ring, which I will have to try! Also, if I leave it in for a longer amount of time, it will leak, and not like tampon leaking a little– LEAKING A LOT! Overall, I really like the product much better than pads & tampons!

I just tried Flex for the first time, and it seems to fit fine, I can’t feel it at all once it’s in, and it doesn’t leak except when using the bathroom (when you pee/poop). This leaking during the bathroom means I need to wear a pantiliner, and I don’t see how you could get around this. I wish the seal were strong enough for this leakage to not happen. With tampons I’ll sometimes wear a pantiliner just in case on heavy days, but usually it’s not necessary if I make sure to change my tampon often enough. So tampons have a slight edge there. I was changing Flex every 12 hours, but then on the last one I washed it out with warm water a couple times and wore it for 2 days, and it seemed fine. I’m not sure why they don’t recommend this (there used to a reusable option, not sure what the difference is). But if I could re-use them and only use a couple per period it might be worth the high cost ($2.50 per ring). It’s definitely not worth the $20 per period they recommend (or more if your period is longer than 4 days). I think I’ll keep with it because it is less irritating than tampons and the less-messy period sex is a plus!

+ PROS: Less irritating, less waste, less-messy period sex

- CONS:Leakage while using the bathroom makes wearing a pantiliner necessary. Expensive, should be able to re-use.

l’ve had a Caesarain, with 0 cm dilation, and I used the pink box, and it was horrible. The excessively stiff rim wouldn’t fit behind my pelvic bone to tilt and open up. It was ridiculous. I’ve used the diva cup for two years, size 1, before I was pregnant and it was a godsend, but relying on this left, me stranded and bloody …

I did not have a great review for this. First it can be messy so plan for that and it says 12hr but when you wake up and you have gone through pj’s not fun!!! I am now switching back to tampons which I didn’t want to do!!

I love the Instead softcups! I bought them on a whim one day while staring at the usual products. It took a couple of tries to get it in correctly, but once it was in, it formed what felt like a suction seal around my cervix, so the leakage protection was excellent, it only leaked if it got really full. When I purchased mine, only the disposable ones were available. I worked in a bar with a single stall bathroom, so I would take mine out, empty it into the toilet, rinse it out with hot water and reinsert it. I never had any problems with it breaking down, getting holes, leaking, etc from doing this. It is made from very good materials. I also never got any type of infections from doing this. It sometimes formed such a good seal around my cervix that I would have to squat down and use my finger to break the seal to get it out. The only time it ever leaked was when I let it get way too full, so totally my fault. Was also great for use during sex, you cannot feel it and it doesn’t cause you any discomfort whatsoever! This product is wonderful, I only wish I had known about it sooner.

The soft cup has been fantastic for me. Yes, I went through a learning how to use it phase, but once I got it down I can honestly say that I have never purchased another box of tampons in 3 years now. I always keep latex gloves available to change it out. I remember this one time when I was stuck in a situation during an extremely heavy period day and I didn’t have another softcup with me to change out, but could tell it was needing changed! So I used the family bathroom at The store I had been shopping in, took it out washed it with antibacterial soap, rinsed it off, reinserted it and I was good to go for 8 more hours!

This is the first cup I ever tried. I had been a tampon wearer since I first got my period as a girl.
Recently, it has been harder and harder to find tampons I like that don’t leak. I like the pocket style, but like Playtex before them, Tampax has changed them again and so they are no longer comfortable and they leak.
Bought Softcup on a whim to try but store was also out of my normal tampons.
Lo and behold I get home from the store and my period has come several days early. I had to use Softcup because I had nothing else. I was extremely nervous but, after a couple minor adjustments, I completely forgot it was there. I kept waiting for the leak, but it never happened.
From now on, I will never go back to tampons or pads. The Softcup is cheaper, there is NO Horrible period smell, it doesn’t leak as long it has been properly placed, works for the full 12hours as advertised, and now , for the first time in my life, I don’t worry about being on period. It is life changing.

I love this cup. It’s great that I can throw it away and not deal with an icky mess, and it works great for mess free sex. However, before I had a child, it didn’t fit. I read on their site that child bearing can change that, so after I had my baby, I gave them a bother try and it was magical. I’m never switching or going back to tampons.

This is the first cup I ever tried, and I tried it several times over the past ten times thinking, “maybe this time it will just work!” I’d bought the largest pack and had major difficulty throwing them out after they hadn’t worked for me. It was a blow to my ego, to be honest. I loved the idea of less waste, and this one was publicized before other reusable cups were. there simply is NOT enough space down there to make this ever work for me. I can use the more traditional cups, but here’s what you must understand about the softcup -it’s not soft. The pink rim is very firm, and while we’re on the subject, if you were to cut the clear part off of this cup, you could EASILY wear this pink run as a bracelet or anklet. Seriously. It’s that big. That just isn’t supposed to even work.

This was the first cup I purchased and I hate them!! The first few times I wore it everything was great but now they suck….It’s been about a year of using them but I always have to wear pantyliners with them because they tend to tip and leak and getting them out is kind of difficult. I prefer other menstrual cups by far.

I’ve had mixed results with this product. I have period days that are very heavy. I dread going anywhere for a couple days each period. Well last year I planned a trip to Cedar Pointe with my daughter and low and behold I was I my period. Oh no! I thought what will I do, I can’t very well go to the bathroom every hour and a half, some lines take that long. So, I used this product and I figured that if you can have intercourse with this, then I should be able to use a tampon with it in case of leakage. And then for extra protection I also used a pad. Turned out I didn’t need the pad or tampon, the cup caught everything. I had a great time. I’m now planning a week in Cancun and my period timing will definitely impact my trip. But now I have a way to ensure a less stressed period.

Like stated above, this was my first cup purchase. After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease, I found most feminine products have wheat products or by products in them. (Finally an answer to my unexplained irritation every month) WHAT A RELIEF! I do have insane heavy periods so I always wear a liner, just incase. But like said above, a lil strain in the potty will empty to avoid a change. Graduating to a reusable now as the cost of this product racks up too!

I used these for about a year before recently graduating to a reusable diva cup. These were a great transition product for me. I did find it to be superior to tampons, but I have a very heavy flow and still needed a backup pad. This product is more leak proof than tampons, but on my heaviest flow days it would need to be emptied or it would leak. Fortunately with the shape you can empty it by straining a little while urinating and excess blood will empty. On occasion it did slip or become to full and leak quite a bit, so I never felt comfortable without a pad as well, but an ultra thin maxi pad was always sufficient. The diva up I’m using now provides better leak protection, but I was happy with the disposable cup over tampons.

I absolutely love these. I bought it to test out the whole cup idea and I think this will be a good transition for me. Insertion was easy. I try to keep changes to in the shower, that way I can give it a rinse before putting it in my trash. I feel so free, not having to worry about changing during the day. I have only leaked once and baffled that it happened because that was only once , and not even on a heavy day. I recommend it. Pulling out prob wasn’t as (as.a long term cup) easy since you have to reach up and hook your finger on the ring. I tried to stick my finger through a clean one to see how far I’d have to push in order to puncture it- I can assure you your finger or your partner could not pierce it.

I had read an article about the Diva cup, decided to try it. All they had at my drugstore was the Softcup. I was really nervous because I’ve heard the Diva cup was hard to get out. When I opened the pkg, I was shocked how big it was, but I was able to get it in easily and out. I did have a lil more cramping with the cup, but it was light. I’m extremely happy with the results, I’m a definite Softcup wearer from now on. No leakage, easy to use. I felt like I had a secret all day.

This was the first cup I ever tried. I was surprised how easy it was for me to figure out. I have been trying other cups but I always keep a box of softcups around because it’s the only cup you can use to have mess free sex while on your period. I wish they would invent one that you can sterilize and reuse for mutiple cycles safely!

"Hi Emma!
First I do have to say that I can't guarantee that one or any of the cups that I suggest will work perfectly for you. Some people are lucky, have no problems with "fit" or comfortable with ..." Read More »

"I'm so glad i switched to OrganiCup. I was convinced by their youtube video on menstrual cups (they use red liquid, which is awesome), and for me it just works. Their customer support is also very hel..." Read More »

"Ok so I am very new to the whole menstrual cup thing but I’m going to be living out of the country for over a year, and tampons will be pretty hard to come by. I am 19, a virgin, have a medium to hi..." Read More »

"The diva cup moves around and I bleed all over my pants. I put it in as instructed, so in so I make sure it's open, all the way back to cover my cervical opening. And now. I'm sitting in my car on my ..." Read More »